Grand Slam beach volleyball action in Japan

By By JAKE ELLISON

on July 27, 2015 8:49 AM

Erika Habaguchi of Japan receives the ball in the qualification match against Miyuki Matsumura and Hiroko Matsuyama of Japan during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 1 on July 21, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Erika Habaguchi of Japan receives the ball in the qualification match against Miyuki Matsumura and Hiroko Matsuyama of Japan during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 1 on July 21, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Atsushi Tomura, Getty Images

Erika Habaguchi of Japan receives the ball in the qualification...photo-8368738.114096 - |ucfirst

Grant O'Gorman of Canada receives the ball in the qualification match against Nicholas Lucena and Theodore Brunner of the USA during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 1 on July 21, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Grant O'Gorman of Canada receives the ball in the qualification match against Nicholas Lucena and Theodore Brunner of the USA during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 1 on July 21, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Abbas Pourasgari of Iran receives the ball in the qualification match against Jean-Baptiste Daguerre and Yannick Salvetti of France during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 1 on July 21, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Abbas Pourasgari of Iran receives the ball in the qualification match against Jean-Baptiste Daguerre and Yannick Salvetti of France during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 1 on July 21, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Atsushi Tomura, Getty Images

Abbas Pourasgari of Iran receives the ball in the qualification...photo-8368736.114096 - |ucfirst

Satoko Urata of Japan receives the ball in the qualification match against Megumi Murakami and Miki Ishii of Japan during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 1 on July 21, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Satoko Urata of Japan receives the ball in the qualification match against Megumi Murakami and Miki Ishii of Japan during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 1 on July 21, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Atsushi Tomura, Getty Images

Satoko Urata of Japan receives the ball in the qualification match...photo-8368735.114096 - |ucfirst

Jesus Villafane of Venezuela receives the ball their main draw match against Gogtepe/Giginoglu on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Jesus Villafane of Venezuela receives the ball their main draw match against Gogtepe/Giginoglu on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Masashi Hara, Getty Images

Jesus Villafane of Venezuela receives the ball their main draw...photo-8368711.114096 - |ucfirst

Take Nishibori of Japan receives the ball in the main draw match against Miller Pata and Linline Matauatu of Vanuato during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 3 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Take Nishibori of Japan receives the ball in the main draw match against Miller Pata and Linline Matauatu of Vanuato during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 3 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Take Nishibori of Japan receives the ball in the main draw match...photo-8368709.114096 - |ucfirst

Brooke Sweat of USA receives the ball in the main draw match against Taiana Rima and Fernanda Alves of Brazil during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 3 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Brooke Sweat of USA receives the ball in the main draw match against Taiana Rima and Fernanda Alves of Brazil during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 3 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Brooke Sweat of USA receives the ball in the main draw match...photo-8368707.114096 - |ucfirst

Julia Sude of Germany looks on the ball in the main draw match against Larissa Franca Maestrini and Talita Da Rocha Antunes of Brazil during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 3 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Julia Sude of Germany looks on the ball in the main draw match against Larissa Franca Maestrini and Talita Da Rocha Antunes of Brazil during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 3 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Julia Sude of Germany looks on the ball in the main draw match...photo-8368706.114096 - |ucfirst

Lauren Fendric of USA receives the ball in the main draw match against Taiana Rima and Fernanda Alves of Brazil during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 3 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Lauren Fendric of USA receives the ball in the main draw match against Taiana Rima and Fernanda Alves of Brazil during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 3 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Lauren Fendric of USA receives the ball in the main draw match...photo-8368703.114096 - |ucfirst

Jennifer Fopma of USA receives the ball in the main draw match against Yui Nagata and Akiko Hasegawa of Japan during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 3 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Jennifer Fopma of USA receives the ball in the main draw match against Yui Nagata and Akiko Hasegawa of Japan during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 3 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Jennifer Fopma of USA receives the ball in the main draw match...photo-8368702.114096 - |ucfirst

April Ross of USA celebrates a point during their main draw match against Larissa Franca Maestrini and Talita Da Rocha Antunes of Brazil during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan. less

April Ross of USA celebrates a point during their main draw match against Larissa Franca Maestrini and Talita Da Rocha Antunes of Brazil during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in ... more

Photo: Masashi Hara, Getty Images

April Ross of USA celebrates a point during their main draw match...photo-8368699.114096 - |ucfirst

Talita Da Rocha Antunes of Brazil receives the ball during their main draw match against April Ross and Jennifer Fopma of USA during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Talita Da Rocha Antunes of Brazil receives the ball during their main draw match against April Ross and Jennifer Fopma of USA during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Emily Day of USA receives the ball during their main draw match against April Ross and Jennifer Fopma of USA during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Emily Day of USA receives the ball during their main draw match against April Ross and Jennifer Fopma of USA during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Masashi Hara, Getty Images

Emily Day of USA receives the ball during their main draw match...photo-8368698.114096 - |ucfirst

Sayaka Mizoe (R) receives the ball during their main draw match against Louise Bawden and Taliqua Clancy of Australia during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Sayaka Mizoe (R) receives the ball during their main draw match against Louise Bawden and Taliqua Clancy of Australia during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Masashi Hara, Getty Images

Sayaka Mizoe (R) receives the ball during their main draw match...photo-8368695.114096 - |ucfirst

Takemi Nishibori of Japan serves during their main draw match against Evgenia Ukolova and Ekaterina Birlova of Russia during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Takemi Nishibori of Japan serves during their main draw match against Evgenia Ukolova and Ekaterina Birlova of Russia during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Masashi Hara, Getty Images

Takemi Nishibori of Japan serves during their main draw match...photo-8368696.114096 - |ucfirst

Takemi Nishibori of Japan celebrates a point during their main draw match against Louise Bawden and Taliqua Clancy of Australia during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan. less

Takemi Nishibori of Japan celebrates a point during their main draw match against Louise Bawden and Taliqua Clancy of Australia during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, ... more

Photo: Masashi Hara, Getty Images

Takemi Nishibori of Japan celebrates a point during their main draw...photo-8368693.114096 - |ucfirst

Takemi Nishibori of Japan celebrates a point during their main draw match against Evgenia Ukolova and Ekaterina Birlova of Russia during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan. less

Takemi Nishibori of Japan celebrates a point during their main draw match against Evgenia Ukolova and Ekaterina Birlova of Russia during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, ... more

Photo: Masashi Hara, Getty Images

Takemi Nishibori of Japan celebrates a point during their main draw...photo-8368694.114096 - |ucfirst

Fan Wang of China spikes during their main draw match against Taiana Lima and Fernanda Alves of Brazil during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Fan Wang of China spikes during their main draw match against Taiana Lima and Fernanda Alves of Brazil during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Masashi Hara, Getty Images

Fan Wang of China spikes during their main draw match against...photo-8368692.114096 - |ucfirst

Alison Cerutti of Brazil serves during their main draw match against Grzegorz Fijalek and Mariusz Prudel of Poland during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Alison Cerutti of Brazil serves during their main draw match against Grzegorz Fijalek and Mariusz Prudel of Poland during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Masashi Hara, Getty Images

Alison Cerutti of Brazil serves during their main draw match...photo-8368690.114096 - |ucfirst

Nicholas Lucena of USA attacks during their main draw match against Konstantin Semenov and Viacheslav Krasilnikov of Russia during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Nicholas Lucena of USA attacks during their main draw match against Konstantin Semenov and Viacheslav Krasilnikov of Russia during day four of the FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Masashi Hara, Getty Images

Nicholas Lucena of USA attacks during their main draw match against...photo-8368691.114096 - |ucfirst

Takemi Nishibori of Japan looks on in the main draw match against Evgenia Ukolova and Ekaterina Birlova of Russia during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 4 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Takemi Nishibori of Japan looks on in the main draw match against Evgenia Ukolova and Ekaterina Birlova of Russia during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 4 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Takemi Nishibori of Japan looks on in the main draw match against...photo-8368687.114096 - |ucfirst

Mai Tanaka of Japan serves the ball in the main draw match against Kristina Valjas and Jamie Lynn Broder of Canada during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 4 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Mai Tanaka of Japan serves the ball in the main draw match against Kristina Valjas and Jamie Lynn Broder of Canada during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 4 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Mai Tanaka of Japan serves the ball in the main draw match against...photo-8368689.114096 - |ucfirst

Akiko Hasegawa of JAPAN receives the ball in the main draw match against Chantal Laboureur and Julia Sude of Germny on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Akiko Hasegawa of JAPAN receives the ball in the main draw match against Chantal Laboureur and Julia Sude of Germny on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Akiko Hasegawa of JAPAN receives the ball in the main draw match...photo-8368684.114096 - |ucfirst

Takemi Nishibori and Sayaka Mizoe of Japan celebrates a point in the main draw match against Evgenia Ukolova and Ekaterina Birlova of Russia during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 4 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan. less

Takemi Nishibori and Sayaka Mizoe of Japan celebrates a point in the main draw match against Evgenia Ukolova and Ekaterina Birlova of Russia during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 4 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, ... more

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Takemi Nishibori and Sayaka Mizoe of Japan celebrates a point in...photo-8368685.114096 - |ucfirst

Takemi Nishibori of Japan receives the ball in the main draw match against Evgenia Ukolova and Ekaterina Birlova of Russia during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 4 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Takemi Nishibori of Japan receives the ball in the main draw match against Evgenia Ukolova and Ekaterina Birlova of Russia during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 4 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Takemi Nishibori of Japan receives the ball in the main draw match...photo-8368682.114096 - |ucfirst

Victoria Orsi Toth of Italy attacks the ball in the main draw match against Karla Borger and Britta Buthe of germany on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Victoria Orsi Toth of Italy attacks the ball in the main draw match against Karla Borger and Britta Buthe of germany on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Victoria Orsi Toth of Italy attacks the ball in the main draw match...photo-8368683.114096 - |ucfirst

Paolo Ingrosso of Italy receives the ball in the main draw match against Jesus Villafane and Jackson Henriqurenz of Venezuela during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 4 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Paolo Ingrosso of Italy receives the ball in the main draw match against Jesus Villafane and Jackson Henriqurenz of Venezuela during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 4 on July 23, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Paolo Ingrosso of Italy receives the ball in the main draw match...photo-8368680.114096 - |ucfirst

Agatha Bednarczuk of Brazil celebrates the win during their main draw match against Madelein Meppelink and Marleen Van Iersel of Netherlands on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Agatha Bednarczuk of Brazil celebrates the win during their main draw match against Madelein Meppelink and Marleen Van Iersel of Netherlands on July 24, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Masashi Hara, Getty Images

Agatha Bednarczuk of Brazil celebrates the win during their main...photo-8368674.114096 - |ucfirst

Sarah Pavan of Canada in the main draw match against Lalissa Franca Maestrini and Talita Da Rocha Antunes of Brazil during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 5 on July 25, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Sarah Pavan of Canada in the main draw match against Lalissa Franca Maestrini and Talita Da Rocha Antunes of Brazil during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 5 on July 25, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Sarah Pavan of Canada in the main draw match against Lalissa Franca...photo-8368672.114096 - |ucfirst

Agatha Bednarczuk gives a signal in the main draw match against Madelein Meppelink and Marleen Van Iersel of Netherlands during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 5 on July 25, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Agatha Bednarczuk gives a signal in the main draw match against Madelein Meppelink and Marleen Van Iersel of Netherlands during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 5 on July 25, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Agatha Bednarczuk gives a signal in the main draw match against...photo-8368673.114096 - |ucfirst

Talqua Clacy of Australia receives the ball looks on in the main draw match against Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst of Germany during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 5 on July 25, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Talqua Clacy of Australia receives the ball looks on in the main draw match against Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst of Germany during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 5 on July 25, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Talqua Clacy of Australia receives the ball looks on in the main...photo-8368671.114096 - |ucfirst

Sayaka Mizoe of Japan gives a sign in the main draw match against Agatha Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas De Freitas of Brazil during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 5 on July 25, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Sayaka Mizoe of Japan gives a sign in the main draw match against Agatha Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas De Freitas of Brazil during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 5 on July 25, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Sayaka Mizoe of Japan gives a sign in the main draw match against...photo-8368665.114096 - |ucfirst

Sayaka Mizoe of Japan serves the ball in the main draw match against Agatha Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas De Freitas of Brazil during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 5 on July 25, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Sayaka Mizoe of Japan serves the ball in the main draw match against Agatha Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas De Freitas of Brazil during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 5 on July 25, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Sayaka Mizoe of Japan serves the ball in the main draw match...photo-8368664.114096 - |ucfirst

Agatha Bednarczuk of Brazil spikes during their main draw match against Sarah Pavan and Heather Bansley of Canada on July 26, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Agatha Bednarczuk of Brazil spikes during their main draw match against Sarah Pavan and Heather Bansley of Canada on July 26, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Masashi Hara, Getty Images

Agatha Bednarczuk of Brazil spikes during their main draw match...photo-8368662.114096 - |ucfirst

Laura Ludwig of Germany receives the ball during their main draw match against Agatha Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas De Freitas of Brazil on July 26, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Laura Ludwig of Germany receives the ball during their main draw match against Agatha Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas De Freitas of Brazil on July 26, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Masashi Hara, Getty Images

Laura Ludwig of Germany receives the ball during their main draw...photo-8368663.114096 - |ucfirst

All medalists pose for photograph,(Women,L-R)Barbara Seixas De Freitas and Agatha Bednarczuk of Brazil,Laura Luding and Kira Walkenhorst of Germany and Heather Bansley and Sarah Pavan of Canada (Men,L-R) Ben Saxton and Chaim Schalk of Canada,Alisan Cerutti and Bruno Oscar Schmidt of Brazil,Alexander Horst and Clemens Doppler of Austria pose on July 26, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan. less

All medalists pose for photograph,(Women,L-R)Barbara Seixas De Freitas and Agatha Bednarczuk of Brazil,Laura Luding and Kira Walkenhorst of Germany and Heather Bansley and Sarah Pavan of Canada (Men,L-R) Ben ... more

(L-R)Ben Saxton and Chaim Schalk of Canada(silver medal),Alisan Cerutti and Bruno Oscar Schmidt of Brazil(Gold medal),Alexander Horst and Clemens Doppler of Austria (Bronze medal) pose for photograph on July 26, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan. less

(L-R)Ben Saxton and Chaim Schalk of Canada(silver medal),Alisan Cerutti and Bruno Oscar Schmidt of Brazil(Gold medal),Alexander Horst and Clemens Doppler of Austria (Bronze medal) pose for photograph on July ... more

Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst of Germany celebrates for the victory in the final against Agatha Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas De Freitas of Brazil during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 26, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan. less

Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst of Germany celebrates for the victory in the final against Agatha Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas De Freitas of Brazil during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 26, 2015 in ... more

(L-R) Barbara Seixas De Freitas and Agatha Bednarczuk of Brazil (Silver Medal),Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst of Germany(Gold medal), Sarah Pavan and Heather Bansley of Canada(Bronze medal) pose for photographs on the podium during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 26, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan. less

Agatha Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas De Freitas of Brazil celebrates for a point in the final against Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst of Germany during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 26, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan. less

Agatha Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas De Freitas of Brazil celebrates for a point in the final against Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst of Germany during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 26, 2015 in Yokohama, ... more

Barbara Seixas De Freitas of Brazil of Germany attacks in the final against Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst of Germany during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 26, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Barbara Seixas De Freitas of Brazil of Germany attacks in the final against Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst of Germany during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 26, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Photo: Koki Nagahama, Getty Images

Barbara Seixas De Freitas of Brazil of Germany attacks in the final...photo-8368651.114096 - |ucfirst

Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst of Germany celebrates for the victory in the final against Agatha Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas De Freitas of BRA during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 26, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan. less

Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst of Germany celebrates for the victory in the final against Agatha Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas De Freitas of BRA during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam on July 26, 2015 in Yokohama, ... more

Erika Habaguchi of Japan receives the ball in the qualification match against Miyuki Matsumura and Hiroko Matsuyama of Japan during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 1 on July 21, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.

Erika Habaguchi of Japan receives the ball in the qualification match against Miyuki Matsumura and Hiroko Matsuyama of Japan during FIVB Yokohama Grand Slam - Day 1 on July 21, 2015 in Yokohama, Japan.